The smartphone world loves getting thinner and lighter each year, but Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold is taking a different path. While everyone else races toward ultra-slim designs, Google is actually making their foldable a bit thicker and heavier. Here’s what this means for you and whether it’s actually a smart move.
What’s Actually Changing with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The numbers tell an interesting story. The new Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be slightly narrower than its predecessor (76.3mm vs 77.1mm), which sounds good for one-handed use. However, it’s getting thicker when folded (10.8mm vs 10.5mm) and when unfolded (5.2mm vs 5.1mm), plus it weighs one gram more at 258g.
These might seem like tiny differences, but in the foldable world, every millimeter counts. When you’re trying to slip a device into your pocket or use it with one hand, these small changes add up to a noticeably different experience.
The most significant upgrade? Battery capacity jumps from 4,650mAh to 5,015mAh – that’s nearly 8% more power in your pocket. Google clearly decided that longer battery life was worth the extra bulk.
Why Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 Changes Everything
Here’s where things get really interesting. Samsung just dropped a game-changer with their Galaxy Z Fold 7, measuring only 8.9mm when folded – making Google’s 10.8mm look chunky by comparison. Samsung’s foldable also weighs just 215g, a whopping 43 grams less than the upcoming Pixel.
This isn’t just about bragging rights. Real people who’ve tested both devices consistently praise Samsung’s newer model for being much easier to handle day-to-day. When you’re walking down the street trying to reply to a text message with one hand, that extra thickness and weight becomes genuinely noticeable.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 also features a wider outer screen, moving away from the narrow “TV remote” feel that many users complained about. Meanwhile, Google’s approach keeps things more consistent with their previous design philosophy.
The Battery Life Trade-Off That Actually Matters
Let’s be honest about why Google made this choice. Foldable phones have historically struggled with battery life because they’re powering two screens and more complex hardware. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while excellent in many ways, wasn’t exactly a battery champion.
Google’s solution is straightforward: pack in a bigger battery. The 5,015mAh capacity in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold significantly outpaces Samsung’s 4,400mAh offering. For context, that’s roughly 13% more battery capacity than Samsung’s latest.
But there’s more to the story. Google is also switching from their problematic Samsung-made Tensor G4 chip to a new TSMC-manufactured Tensor G5 processor. This manufacturing change should dramatically improve power efficiency, potentially giving users the best of both worlds – longer battery life from both the bigger battery and more efficient processing.
What Real Users Actually Want from Foldables
After talking to people who actually use foldable phones daily, three things matter most: the device needs to work well as a regular phone when folded, it shouldn’t feel like carrying a brick, and it needs to last all day without dying.
The original Pixel Fold was too wide and thick for most people’s comfort. Many potential buyers would admire the technology but immediately say “I could never use that every day.” The Pixel 9 Pro Fold solved most of these concerns by slimming down considerably.
Now Google faces a dilemma. Do they prioritize the ultra-thin profile that makes the device more pocketable, or do they focus on battery life that keeps it running longer? They’ve clearly chosen battery life, but time will tell if users agree with this priority.
Most foldable users don’t want to unfold their device for every text message or quick task. The outer screen needs to handle 80% of daily smartphone duties comfortably. A slightly thicker device might be acceptable if it means not hunting for chargers by afternoon.
The Technology Google Could Have Used
Here’s where the story gets frustrating for tech enthusiasts. Companies like OPPO, Xiaomi, and vivo are already using advanced Silicon-Carbon batteries that pack more power into smaller spaces. These newer batteries could have given Google both the bigger capacity they wanted and the slim profile users prefer.
Instead, Google stuck with traditional lithium-ion battery technology, requiring more physical space for the same power gains. This feels like a missed opportunity to leapfrog the competition rather than trailing behind.
Silicon-Carbon batteries represent the future of mobile power storage, offering roughly 20-25% better energy density than current technology. Google’s decision to skip this advancement means waiting another generation for the ideal combination of size and battery life.
Looking Forward: What This Means for You
If you’re considering the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, here’s the bottom line: you’re getting a device that prioritizes battery life over ultra-portability. This makes sense if you’re someone who uses their phone heavily throughout the day and finds yourself frequently reaching for chargers.
However, if one-handed usability and pocketability are your main concerns, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 might be the better choice. The dimensions difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable in daily use.
The real test will come when these devices hit the market. Google’s bet is that improved battery life and the new Tensor G5 chip will create a better overall experience, even with the slightly bulkier form factor. Samsung’s approach prioritizes the sleekest possible design while accepting some battery life compromises.
For the foldable market as a whole, this divergence is actually healthy. Different manufacturers are exploring different priorities, giving consumers real choices based on their personal preferences rather than everyone chasing identical specifications.google pixel 10 pro fold, foldable smartphones 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold too thick compared to other foldables? A: At 10.8mm when folded, it’s noticeably thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.9mm) but only slightly thicker than the previous Pixel 9 Pro Fold (10.5mm). The difference is noticeable but not dramatic for most users.
Q: Will the bigger battery actually provide significantly better battery life? A: The 5,015mAh battery is 8% larger than the previous model, plus the new TSMC-made Tensor G5 chip should be much more power-efficient than the previous generation. Combined, these changes should deliver noticeably better all-day battery performance.
Q: Should I wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7 now? A: If ultra-thin design and one-handed usability are your priorities, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently the better choice. If you value longer battery life and Google’s software experience, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be worth waiting for when it launches in August 2025.